Prosearching.com browser hijack

  1. #1
    raffiann is offline Newbie

    Prosearching.com browser hijack

    My browser has recently been hijacked by Prosearch.com and I've completely run out of ideas. I'd greatly appreciate it if someone could tell me what to do next. Here is my Hijackthis log:

    Logfile of HijackThis v1.97.7
    Scan saved at 20:23:58, on 15/08/2004
    Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
    MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

    Running processes:
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
    C:\Program Files\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
    C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\AOL\ACS\AOLacsd.exe
    C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
    C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
    C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\AdvTools\NPROTECT.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\slserv.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\wanmpsvc.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\gsicon.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\dslagent.exe
    C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\RealPlay.exe
    C:\Program Files\Common Files\AOL\ACS\AOLDial.exe
    C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
    C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
    C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_04\bin\jusched.exe
    c:\progra~1\intern~1\iexplore.exe
    c:\progra~1\intern~1\iexplore.exe
    C:\Program Files\AOL 9.0\aoltray.exe
    C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
    C:\Program Files\AOL 9.0\waol.exe
    C:\Program Files\AOL 9.0\shellmon.exe
    C:\Program Files\Common Files\AOL\aoltpspd.exe
    C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
    C:\Documents and Settings\RaffFamily\Desktop\HijackThis.exe

    R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://prosearching.com/passthrough/...://about:blank
    R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.tiny.com/uk
    R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://www.kvedjibafpmzj.com/to6S1JA...90YdRNRNN.html
    F2 - REG:system.ini: UserInit=C:\WINDOWS\System32\Userinit.exe
    O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
    O2 - BHO: (no name) - {7B55BB05-0B4D-44fd-81A6-B136188F5DEB} - C:\WINDOWS\questmod-1.dll
    O2 - BHO: (no name) - {A5C77580-CB00-709B-3CFA-7BA7C61CDF46} - C:\PROGRA~1\CHICBL~1\meal beep.exe
    O2 - BHO: NAV Helper - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
    O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE NvQTwk,NvCplDaemon initialize
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [GSICONEXE] gsicon.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DSLAGENTEXE] dslagent.exe USB
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RealTray] C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\RealPlay.exe SYSTEMBOOTHIDEPLAYER
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SmcService] C:\PROGRA~1\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe -startgui
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AOLDialer] C:\Program Files\Common Files\AOL\ACS\AOLDial.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccRegVfy] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccRegVfy.exe"
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Advanced Tools Check] C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\AdvTools\ADVCHK.EXE
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_04\bin\jusched.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [joy junk] C:\PROGRA~1\Tray Bone More\HopePopMpeg.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Bits Load Aim Bows] C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\roampeakbitsload\extra rule.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [svchost] C:\WINDOWS\svchost.exe
    O4 - Startup: Download Plus.lnk = C:\Documents and Settings\RaffFamily\Application Data\DownloadPlus.exe
    O4 - Global Startup: AOL 9.0 Tray Icon.lnk = C:\Program Files\AOL 9.0\aoltray.exe
    O4 - Global Startup: Event Reminder.lnk = C:\Program Files\Broderbund\The Print Shop\PSRemind.exe
    O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
    O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
    O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console (HKLM)
    O9 - Extra button: Real.com (HKLM)
    O14 - IERESET.INF: START_PAGE_URL=http://www.tiny.com/uk
    O16 - DPF: {11111111-1111-1111-1111-111111113456} - file://c:\info6_s.cab
    O16 - DPF: {166B1BCA-3F9C-11CF-8075-444553540000} (Shockwave ActiveX Control) - http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/get...irector/sw.cab
    O16 - DPF: {33564D57-0000-0010-8000-00AA00389B71} - http://download.microsoft.com/downlo...22/wmv9VCM.CAB
    O16 - DPF: {4A3CF76B-EC7A-405D-A67D-8DC6B52AB35B} (QDiagAOLCCUpdateObj Class) - http://aolcc.aolsvc.aol.co.uk/comput...up/qdiagcc.cab
    O16 - DPF: {9F1C11AA-197B-4942-BA54-47A8489BB47F} (Update Class) - http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.co...106.2501041667
    O16 - DPF: {B94B4225-E02E-4D3F-BADB-026F1E2F3AD7} (HttpDownloader Control) - file://C:\WINDOWS\SexDownloader.cab
    O16 - DPF: {E855A2D4-987E-4F3B-A51C-64D10A7E2479} (EPSImageControl Class) - http://tools.ebayimg.com/eps/activex...l_v1-0-3-0.cab
    O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{68DBD3AE-D8E0-4328-8A40-F2EF75305538}: NameServer = 195.93.48.134
    O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{94459C65-FD8D-4E96-9943-1F707D5756D5}: NameServer = 152.163.0.26 205.188.64.153
    O17 - HKLM\System\CS1\Services\Tcpip\..\{68DBD3AE-D8E0-4328-8A40-F2EF75305538}: NameServer = 195.93.48.134


  2. #2
    owen is offline D-A-L Team Member (UK)
    Could you update your version of Hijack This and then post a new log. http://hjt.isecureit.co.uk

  3. #3
    raffiann is offline Newbie
    Certainly, this is the updated log:

    Logfile of HijackThis v1.98.2
    Scan saved at 22:31:03, on 15/08/2004
    Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
    MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

    Running processes:
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
    C:\Program Files\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
    C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\AOL\ACS\AOLacsd.exe
    C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
    C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
    C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\AdvTools\NPROTECT.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\slserv.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\wanmpsvc.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\gsicon.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\dslagent.exe
    C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\RealPlay.exe
    C:\Program Files\Common Files\AOL\ACS\AOLDial.exe
    C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
    C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
    C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_04\bin\jusched.exe
    C:\Program Files\AOL 9.0\aoltray.exe
    c:\progra~1\intern~1\iexplore.exe
    c:\progra~1\intern~1\iexplore.exe
    C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\explorer.exe
    C:\Program Files\AOL 9.0\waol.exe
    C:\Program Files\AOL 9.0\shellmon.exe
    C:\Program Files\Common Files\AOL\aoltpspd.exe
    C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
    C:\Program Files\Hijack This2\hijackthis.exe

    R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://prosearching.com/passthrough/index.html?http://about:blank
    R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://ibawsrtliarhnxikvuoky.com/to6S1JAKAqe4XqLEf02Yln2IHDxX6h_FxXco4rXErE_LHIdWCW nB/Wa90YdRNRNN.html
    R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
    F2 - REG:system.ini: UserInit=C:\WINDOWS\System32\Userinit.exe
    O2 - BHO: NAV Helper - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
    O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RealTray] C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\RealPlay.exe SYSTEMBOOTHIDEPLAYER
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SmcService] C:\PROGRA~1\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe -startgui
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AOLDialer] C:\Program Files\Common Files\AOL\ACS\AOLDial.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccRegVfy] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccRegVfy.exe"
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Advanced Tools Check] C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\AdvTools\ADVCHK.EXE
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_04\bin\jusched.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [svchost] C:\WINDOWS\svchost.exe
    O4 - Global Startup: AOL 9.0 Tray Icon.lnk = C:\Program Files\AOL 9.0\aoltray.exe
    O4 - Global Startup: Event Reminder.lnk = C:\Program Files\Broderbund\The Print Shop\PSRemind.exe
    O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
    O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
    O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - (no file)
    O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - (no file)
    O9 - Extra button: Real.com - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\Shdocvw.dll
    O14 - IERESET.INF: START_PAGE_URL=http://www.tiny.com/uk
    O16 - DPF: {11111111-1111-1111-1111-111111113456} - file://c:\info6_s.cab
    O16 - DPF: {4A3CF76B-EC7A-405D-A67D-8DC6B52AB35B} (QDiagAOLCCUpdateObj Class) - http://aolcc.aolsvc.aol.co.uk/computercheckup/qdiagcc.cab
    O16 - DPF: {B94B4225-E02E-4D3F-BADB-026F1E2F3AD7} (HttpDownloader Control) - file://C:\WINDOWS\SexDownloader.cab
    O16 - DPF: {E855A2D4-987E-4F3B-A51C-64D10A7E2479} (EPSImageControl Class) - http://tools.ebayimg.com/eps/activex/EPSControl_v1-0-3-0.cab
    O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{68DBD3AE-D8E0-4328-8A40-F2EF75305538}: NameServer = 195.93.50.134
    O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{94459C65-FD8D-4E96-9943-1F707D5756D5}: NameServer = 152.163.0.26 205.188.64.153
    O17 - HKLM\System\CS1\Services\Tcpip\..\{68DBD3AE-D8E0-4328-8A40-F2EF75305538}: NameServer = 195.93.50.134
    O18 - Protocol: asp - {8D32BA61-D15B-11D4-894B-000000000000} - C:\Program Files\Nelson Thornes\Science For You\0-7487-6791-6\hsppp.dll
    O18 - Protocol: hsp - {8D32BA61-D15B-11D4-894B-000000000000} - C:\Program Files\Nelson Thornes\Science For You\0-7487-6791-6\hsppp.dll
    O18 - Protocol: x-asp - {8D32BA61-D15B-11D4-894B-000000000000} - C:\Program Files\Nelson Thornes\Science For You\0-7487-6791-6\hsppp.dll
    O18 - Protocol: x-hsp - {8D32BA61-D15B-11D4-894B-000000000000} - C:\Program Files\Nelson Thornes\Science For You\0-7487-6791-6\hsppp.dll
    O21 - SSODL: System - {35E4AB93-B571-4020-A52E-FCAECC756ABC} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\system32.dll

  4. #4
    owen is offline D-A-L Team Member (UK)
    Close all browser windows, restart Hijack This and put a checkmark next to the following entries:

    R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://prosearching.com/passthrough/...://about:blank
    R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://ibawsrtliarhnxikvuoky.com/to6...4rXErE_LHIdWCW nB/Wa90YdRNRNN.html
    R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [svchost] C:\WINDOWS\svchost.exe
    O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - (no file)
    O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - (no file)
    O16 - DPF: {B94B4225-E02E-4D3F-BADB-026F1E2F3AD7} (HttpDownloader Control) - file://C:\WINDOWS\SexDownloader.cab
    O21 - SSODL: System - {35E4AB93-B571-4020-A52E-FCAECC756ABC} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\system32.dll

    The following are optional fixes:
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RealTray] C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\RealPlay.exe SYSTEMBOOTHIDEPLAYER
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
    System Tray access for QuickTime and Real. Not needed and hog resources

    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_04\bin\jusched.exe
    Update for Java, not needed, can be run manually

    O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
    Resource hog that launches common MS Office components to help speed up the launch of Office programs. Some users claim there's no difference with or without it but it isn't required anyway. Different filenames used for different variants

    Click Fix Checked

    Then boot into Safe Mode and ensure that you are showing Hidden Files and Folders.

    Delete the following:
    C:\WINDOWS\svchost.exe (CAUTION: Don't delete the legit file in C:\Windows\System32)
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\system32.dll

    Reboot and post a fresh log

  5. #5
    raffiann is offline Newbie
    I've done everything you advised, and the latest log is below, hopefully there's nothing else of concern. The toolbar has gone from IE and the homepage has not been hijacked. Thank you very much for your help, I'm extremely grateful.

    Logfile of HijackThis v1.98.2
    Scan saved at 21:19:30, on 16/08/2004
    Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
    MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

    Running processes:
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
    C:\Program Files\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
    C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\AOL\ACS\AOLacsd.exe
    C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
    C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
    C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\AdvTools\NPROTECT.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\slserv.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\wanmpsvc.exe
    C:\Program Files\Common Files\AOL\ACS\AOLDial.exe
    C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
    C:\Program Files\AOL 9.0\aoltray.exe
    C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
    C:\Program Files\AOL 9.0\waol.exe
    C:\Program Files\AOL 9.0\shellmon.exe
    C:\Program Files\Common Files\AOL\aoltpspd.exe
    C:\Program Files\Hijack This2\hijackthis.exe

    F2 - REG:system.ini: UserInit=C:\WINDOWS\System32\Userinit.exe
    O2 - BHO: NAV Helper - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
    O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SmcService] C:\PROGRA~1\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe -startgui
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AOLDialer] C:\Program Files\Common Files\AOL\ACS\AOLDial.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccRegVfy] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccRegVfy.exe"
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Advanced Tools Check] C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\AdvTools\ADVCHK.EXE
    O4 - Global Startup: AOL 9.0 Tray Icon.lnk = C:\Program Files\AOL 9.0\aoltray.exe
    O4 - Global Startup: Event Reminder.lnk = C:\Program Files\Broderbund\The Print Shop\PSRemind.exe
    O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
    O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
    O9 - Extra button: Real.com - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\Shdocvw.dll
    O14 - IERESET.INF: START_PAGE_URL=http://www.tiny.com/uk
    O16 - DPF: {11111111-1111-1111-1111-111111113456} - file://c:\info6_s.cab
    O16 - DPF: {4A3CF76B-EC7A-405D-A67D-8DC6B52AB35B} (QDiagAOLCCUpdateObj Class) - http://aolcc.aolsvc.aol.co.uk/comput...up/qdiagcc.cab
    O16 - DPF: {74D05D43-3236-11D4-BDCD-00C04F9A3B61} (HouseCall Control) - http://a840.g.akamai.net/7/840/537/2...ll/xscan53.cab
    O16 - DPF: {E855A2D4-987E-4F3B-A51C-64D10A7E2479} (EPSImageControl Class) - http://tools.ebayimg.com/eps/activex...l_v1-0-3-0.cab
    O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{94459C65-FD8D-4E96-9943-1F707D5756D5}: NameServer = 152.163.0.26 205.188.64.153
    O18 - Protocol: asp - {8D32BA61-D15B-11D4-894B-000000000000} - C:\Program Files\Nelson Thornes\Science For You\0-7487-6791-6\hsppp.dll
    O18 - Protocol: hsp - {8D32BA61-D15B-11D4-894B-000000000000} - C:\Program Files\Nelson Thornes\Science For You\0-7487-6791-6\hsppp.dll
    O18 - Protocol: x-asp - {8D32BA61-D15B-11D4-894B-000000000000} - C:\Program Files\Nelson Thornes\Science For You\0-7487-6791-6\hsppp.dll
    O18 - Protocol: x-hsp - {8D32BA61-D15B-11D4-894B-000000000000} - C:\Program Files\Nelson Thornes\Science For You\0-7487-6791-6\hsppp.dll

  6. #6
    owen is offline D-A-L Team Member (UK)
    Save 20% on AVG Internet Security 2012 Suite!
    Thumbs Up! All clear . You are very welcome indeed

    Have a read of this info to prevent it returning:

    Preventing it returning

    After your problem has been resolved on the forum, it is an absoulute MUST to do the following steps to prevent the problem returning. Click on the link to get access to the software or webpage that I'm referring to.

    1. Visit Windows Update
    Pay a visit to Windows Update and scan for and download ALL Critical Updates and Service Packs. New updates are usually released monthly so check back to Windows Update every month.

    2. Download Antivirus Software-
    If you haven't already got Antivirus software, you should download and install AVG Antivirus. It is freeware and is updated nearly every 2 days (sometimes more frequently if there are a lot of new viruses) and in my opinion, is better than some Antivirus software such as Norton. Antivirus software will prevent viruses infecting your system and it is important that you update it every two days or every week at the most.

    3. Download a Firewall-
    If you haven't already got a firewall, it is Very important that you download one. Firewalls will prevent unauthorised access to your computer and stop data leaking out of your computer. You may think that it won't happen to you, but Hackers don't care who you are, what you do, where you live or what you had for tea last Sunday on your holiday in the Lake District, they want your data. Firewalls will keep these sneaks out and one of the best is Sygate Personal Firewall, which happens to be freeware.

    4. Spyware Scanners-
    It is important that as well as having real time spyware protection, you have a spyware scanning application. If you have not already been told to download one earlier in this thread, it is a good idea to download Spybot Search And Destroy and Ad-aware. They are both spyware scanners and will search for a remove spyware. It is recommended that you have both, because one will pick up entries that the other misses. It is even a good idea to download these if you have other programs such as ASE, Spysweeper, Pest Patrol, etc, because one spyware scanner will not pick up everything. Please remember to update your spyware scanners weekly/fortnightly.

    5. Prevent Spyware slipping through Internet Explorer-
    Quite a lot of spyware slips through Internet Explorer if your settings are not tight enough. Spyware Blaster will help you prevent spyware slipping through and installing tracking cookies. Simply run it via Start> Programs> Spyware Blaster and click Enable All Protection and it will protect you. It doesn't even have to be open! Remember to update weekly/fortnightly.

    6. Constant Spyware Protection-
    It is important to have constant spyware protection. Spyware Guard works like an antivirus program but detects Spyware instead. It will constantly protect your system. Check for updates monthly.

    All Of these steps are very important and it is HIGHLY recommended that you download all of the programs mentioned for your own safety. Remember to Update everything (including Windows using Windows Update)! It is also a good idea to perform weekly/fortnightly scans with Spybot S&D, Ad-aware and your antivirus software.

    And last of all, please remember, that common sense is your greatest tool. Without it, spyware and other related Malware would rule!

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